Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)

What it is and why it matters

Yr Wyddfa sits at the heart of Eryri National Park and is the park's best-known walk. In 2022 the park authority chose to use the Welsh name Yr Wyddfa, alongside the English Snowdon, and confirmed that decision in 2024. The six main routes are the Llanberis Path, Rhyd Ddu Path, Snowdon Ranger Path, Miners' Track, Pyg Track and Watkin Path. The mountain railway offers a non-walking way up from Llanberis.

Visiting practicalities

The Llanberis Path is the most gradual and best served by public transport, at about 9 miles with over 3,000 feet of ascent. The Miners' Track and Pyg Track start at Pen y Pass and are shorter but steeper and rockier; parts of the Pyg Track lead towards Crib Goch, a dangerous knife-edge ridge. The Watkin Path is one of the longest, with the most climbing. Trailhead car parks fill early in peak season, so the park authority recommends the Sherpa'r Wyddfa bus. Check the Yr Wyddfa Live service for weather and ground conditions before setting out, and only attempt a route you are confident of finishing.

Nearby and combining your visit

Llanberis, at the foot of the main path and railway, makes a good base. Rhyd Ddu and Beddgelert on the southern side give quieter starts, and Nant Peris has parking linked to Pen y Pass by bus.

Highlights

• Highest mountain in Wales, about 1,085 m
• Six main summit paths, all graded hard
• Snowdon Mountain Railway from Llanberis, opened 1896
• Hafod Eryri summit building, opened 2009

Good to know

• Every main route is graded hard/strenuous by the park authority
• Car parks at Rhyd Ddu and the Watkin Path can fill by around 8am in peak season
• The Sherpa'r Wyddfa bus links the main trailheads
• Check Yr Wyddfa Live for weather and ground conditions before you go

Frequently asked questions